Craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but don't have eggs on hand? Don't despair! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of classic chocolate chip cookies without relying on eggs. It's a perfect example of how simple, easy recipes can produce truly amazing results. This recipe is ideal for beginner bakers, busy weeknights, and anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dessert. Get ready to enjoy these fantastic homemade cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in your cookie dough.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results – it’ll save you time and effort. If using a hand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract until it's fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture. This enhances the flavor profile of your cookies significantly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Resist the urge to overmix at this stage; you want to keep the dough relatively smooth but with evenly distributed chocolate.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)
For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step isn't mandatory, but it’s highly recommended for optimal texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, delicious, egg-free chocolate chip cookies!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a good texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Recommended): Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The type of chocolate chips you use will significantly impact the flavor of your cookies. Experiment with different types to find your favorite!
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or a combination of different chocolates.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 (depending on size and ingredients) Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious chocolate chip cookies are a simple pleasure, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!